Pediatric Blood Cancers (Leukemia and Lymphoma)

Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)

  This test checks for the number and percentage of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. We will also check the amount of hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen.

• Sedimentation rate

  The sedimentation rate measures the rate at which red blood cells in a blood sample sink to the base of a test tube. The number shows how much inflammation is in the body. Above average rates may be a sign of lymphoma or another condition.

• Lymph Node Biopsy

  A lymph node biopsy is the surgical removal of all or part of a lymph node. A pathologist (a cellular expert) views the tissue under a microscope to look for cancer cells, including Reed-Sternberg cells (a possible sign of Hodgkin lymphoma).

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

  This procedure makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles, and using a colored dye to look for things like swollen lymph nodes or spleen.

• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

  A PET scan is an imaging test that uses a special radioactive dye (tracer). The dye is injected into a vein in your arm, and your organs and tissues absorb it. If cancer cells are present, they appear brighter than normal cells.

• Bone Marrow Biopsy

  A small sample of bone marrow is taken from the hipbone or breastbone to look for microscopic signs of cancer.

• Multigene Tests

  Because no tumor has a single mutation, genomic profiling allows us to identify groups of mutations in a blood sample and create a tumor profile. Your child’s tumor profile helps us determine the most effective treatment and how long they should have treatments like chemotherapy. Their profile may also help predict whether the leukemia is likely to recur and guide treatment accordingly.